Participants will gain an applied understanding of how chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs) migrate within fractured bedrock aquifers by examining two real‑world case studies in Upstate New York. Through review of high‑resolution analytical, geophysical, and structural data, participants will develop an understanding of how discrete fracture networks (DFNs) are constructed and how these models support remedial investigation, feasibility study development, and remediation planning.
At the completion of this presentation, participants will be able to:
1. Discuss the regional geologic and geomorphologic framework of Upstate New York, including glacial history, structural domains, and stratigraphy.
2. Explain how bedrock geology impacts contaminant fate and transport, including the role of open fractures, bedding‑plane partings, fracture dip, and the influences of ambient versus stressed hydraulic conditions.
3. Identify the technical components of fractured bedrock site characterization, including packer testing, downhole geophysical logging, field chromatography, heat‑pulse flow meter interpretation, and monitoring well installations.
4. Interpret fracture data, flow data, and analytical chemistry results to understand contaminant distribution, major water‑bearing features, and the connectivity of fracture networks at contaminated bedrock sites.
5. Conceptually understand DFNs and explain how aperture, orientation, and fracture class influence contaminant transport and remedial limitations.
6. Discuss how DFNs guide remedial strategy development, including selection of well screens, optimization of remedial actions, understanding DNAPL persistence, and predicting remedy effectiveness.
7. Assess how DFNs and monitoring networks support future decision‑making, including remedy selection, performance monitoring, and long‑term site management for fractured bedrock aquifers.